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Amazing backyard transformation for under $1,200

By Skye Viviers โ€ข 6 Comments

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Interior designer Katy Thomas is one of the many Australians who has shifted her focus to revamping her existing space, and creating an oasis in her backyard this summer. She also managed to do so on a tiny budget, spending under $1,200 and all at Bunnings!

After
Before

Reflecting on the original space, she says: “This part of our backyard was so overgrown. We had so much bamboo, old pavers, and it was a space we didnโ€™t use.”

Katy says that it was very important for this outdoor space to connect with the rest of her home, so she utilised lots of white and natural timbers, in order to extend her interior design style, and create a feeling of relaxed sophistication.

It was also important, on such a small budget, to cleverly incorporate the existing features of the space. “We have so much bamboo,” says Katy, “So the plan was to neaten it up by creating a white screen fence which really helps to frame this corner of the garden. I love how the bamboo provides some greenery behind the fence!”

After

This makeover has also completely altered the way in which Katy uses this space, and now, she says, is the perfect time of year to enjoy it. “Iโ€™m so excited for Christmas out here!” she adds.

“The biggest transformation to this space is definitely the white screen fence,” continues Katy. “The most affordable way to achieve this look was to use fence palings from Bunnings which cost $1.40 each. Once painted white they look amazing. The new round pavers have also helped to finish off this space.” 

Katy utilised the space carefully, creating different zones using furniture. She acknowledges the importance of planning, and suggests that prospective renovators create a wish list online, so that they know the costs upfront.

After

She also recommends that to gather inspiration and cultivate a cohesive look, creating a moodboard is a game-changer. “I moodboard every project which makes the process so much easier.ย I oftenย visualise the beautiful end result I want, then work backwards researching allย the elements I’d need to achieve this look within my budget.”

Of course, you don’t have to completely overhaul your backyard in order to rejuvenate it for the summer. “A small change can make a big difference,” says Katy. “For example, a coat of fresh, white paint is an easy and inexpensive way to brighten and refresh a space.”

Thinking outside the box can also be helpful, for achieving the look you want within your budget. In Katy’s yard, she used round pavers for something a little different against the white stones.

After

GET THE LOOK

Home Bazaar resort chair | Northcote Pottery terracotta coin pot

For more on Bunnings’ outdoor range

Neale Whitaker on the King Living Zaza outdoor sofa
Outdoor rooms: Neale Whitaker explains how to create a backyard oasis
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The latest figures from Commsec show that the size of an average house built in 2018/19 is 228.8 square metre; thatโ€™s a 1.3 per cent decrease on last year. Often,…
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Brisbane makeover: Amazing backyard resort in burbs
Originally built in 1967, and located in the Brisbane suburb of Mansfield, this five-bedroom, three-bathroom, two storey home underwent an incredible overhaul recently, courtesy of the team at Zou Build.…

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December 2, 2020

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There's nothing like ticking off little jobs! We f There's nothing like ticking off little jobs! We finally knocked out our 60s brown tile back step and replaced it with a smaller grey one made from @trexcompany Island Mist decking to match our deck (that went in 4.5 years ago) and now painted brick exterior. Making the step smaller allowed us to add in an additional manhole under the back door too to allow easier access under the house at the back. And we made a cover for that too (final slide) using Trex. I say "we" but I really mean our handyman ๐Ÿ˜‰ One plank was enough for both jobs. Why we didn't do this ages ago I do not know but it's done now! ๐Ÿ˜ Installed with @trexrainescape to ensure it stays dry and lasts!

Disclosure: Plank of Trex decking was gifted. I paid for the handyman.

#backstep #doorstep #deck #decking #deckdesign #deckideas #compositedecking #trex #trexdecking #greydecking

Mat from @doormatau
Me and @fantasticfurniture go WAY back! When I fir Me and @fantasticfurniture go WAY back! When I first came to Australia in my 20s, it's where I headed to buy everything I needed for my first apartment at an incredible price! And I've loved watching the range get more and more impressive over the years as my knowledge of furniture has increased. I had no idea how extensive their Aussie Made sofa range was though. I'd love you to check out the options via link in bio as I think you'll be impressed! I think we have a renewed appreciation for Aussie Made and supporting local manufacturing and jobs and this is a great success story. We love a bit of high low decorating, and turns out Fantastic Furniture is a great place to find your family lounge, a special accent chair, an extra ottoman for occasional seating and so much more. 

#fantasticfurniture #aussiemade #australianfurniture #FindyourFantastic #FantasticFamily #affordablehomewares #affordablefurniture #custommadesofa #custommadelounges #australianhomes #interiorsblog #interiorsaccount #interiorsaddict #theinteriorsdaddict #jenbishop #heartyourhome
Please don't show my boys this room or they'll wan Please don't show my boys this room or they'll want one like it!

How gorgeous is this Brisbane kids' bedroom?! 

@brittwhitestudio worked closely with the boys (aged 7 and 9) to understand their needs with a bespoke bunk bed solution crafted by BRC Cabinets, featuring ample storage as well as an under-stair hidey-hole, a useful reading nook for books and a built-in charger for electronics. Local craftsmen Emmettโ€™s Ropes designed and hand-tied the ropework on the top bunk and the supporting pillar beneath.

Head over to the blog via link in bio to see and read more!

#bunkroom #bunkbed #bunkbedsforkids #bunkbeds #bespokebunkbeds #custommadebunkbeds #sharedbedroom #sharedbedroomforkids #boysroominspo #boysroomdecor #junglebedroom #kidsroomstyle #kidsroomstyling #childrensrooms #theinteriorsaddict #interiorsblog #interiorsaccount #interiorsaddict #jenbishop #heartyourhome #brittwhitestudio #highriseliving #apartmentlifestyle #penthouses #apartmentlivingwithkids #newsteadbrisbane 

Pix by @joebrosnan.photo
Comment your fave: 1, 2 or 3? Just 3 of the kitch Comment your fave: 1, 2 or 3?

Just 3 of the kitchens in the @duluxaus Colour Awards 2023 shortlist which will give you some serious inspiration!

Loads more gorgeous residential rooms to see on the blog this morning via link in bio.

Projects by @studio__bright @kaiko_design and Georgie Shepherd Interior Design. Pix by @arorygardiner @fiona_susanto and @christophermorrisphoto 

#duluxcolour #duluxpaint #duluxaus #duluxcolourawards #duluxcolourawards2023 #moodykitchen #allwhitekitchen #designerkitchen #sagekitchen #boldkitchen #colourfulkitchen #colouredkitchen #theinteriorsaddict #interiorsaddict #jenbishop #heartyourhome #interiorsblog #interiorsaccount
We're a bit obsessed with Cara Standen's balcony m We're a bit obsessed with Cara Standen's balcony makeover using @kmartaus stone tiles!

Nineties townhouse in Lennox Head or villa in Greece? You decide! All up it cost $2000 including all materials and she did the work herself.

Read all about it via link in bio now.

Love your work @twin_palms_lennox

#kmartaustralia #kmartdiy #kmarthack #kmarthome #modernmediterranean #balconymakeover #balconyideas #diybalcony #budgetdiy #interiorsaddict #theinteriorsaddict #jenbishop #heartyourhome
Wallpaper in every single room! What do you recko Wallpaper in every single room!

What do you reckon? You'd think it would be overkill but it isn't because so many of the designs are subtle yet still impactful.

Head over to the blog to see how @grafico_walls transformed this blank canvas Melbourne townhouse with their products, which you've probably seen on The Block over the years. And read how Damian Corney has grown this Melbourne business with wife Adele and a growing team. There's also a look inside the very cool Motley Hotel which has used a whopping 4km of their wallpaper throughout!

You can also watch a video tour with Bec Douros as the house featured on Open Homes Australia over the weekend.

Via link in bio now.

#wallpapergoals #wallpaperdesign #australianwallart #australianwallpaper #wallmurals #wallpapermural #wallpapermurals #wallpapereddoor #digitalwallpaper #digitallyprintedwallpaper #customwallpaper #wallpaperaesthetic #wallpapertrends #wallpaperaustralia #grafico #graficowallcoverings #melbournebusiness #melbournesmallbusiness #openhomesaustralia #theblock #becdouros
Kids and fluffy chickens. Does it get any cuter?! Kids and fluffy chickens. Does it get any cuter?! 

Braved the rain second morning in a row to feed the animals at @edenfarmescape because life's too short to worry about a bit of mud and drizzle!

Feeling relaxed ๐Ÿฅฐ
Did you see this cracking little transformation on Did you see this cracking little transformation on @sellinghousesaus last night?

We have all the finer details on the blog today via link in bio. Particularly love the kitchen refresh using the existing blue cupboards which really weren't doing anything for me before ๐Ÿ˜‚

#sellinghouses #sellinghousesaustralia #beforeandafterkitchen #beforeandafterrenovation #beforeandafterlivingroom #renoshow #realreno #interiorsblog #interiorsaccount #interiorsaddict #theinteriorsaddict #jenbishop #heartyourhome #bluekitchen #budgetkitchenmakeover #budgetdiy #budgetmakeover
How's this for a compact back yard TRANSFORMATION? How's this for a compact back yard TRANSFORMATION?!

Our friends at @mintdesignau have done it again!

Homeowner Briony Marsh says: Itโ€™s totally changed our home lifestyle now we can sit outside on the lounge in the sun or shade, be in the pool, spa, sauna or cooking pizzas and hanging out with friends. It sounds cliched but it really feels like we are on holiday at home!โ€

Head over to the blog to see the finer details, including a sauna and a seriously good looking copper pizza oven. There's a lot packed into this space!

#backyards #smallpools #smallpool #homesauna #pizzaovens #outdoorpizzaoven #landscapedesigner #mintdesign #holidayathome #resortstylehomes #landscapeartist #backyard #exteriorinspiration #exteriormakeover #exteriordesigns #pergoladesign #interiorsaddict #theinteriorsaddict #jenbishop #heartyourhome
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About Skye Viviers

Skye Viviers is a fourth year student at UNSW, completing an internship at Interiors Addict as part of her degree.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. AvatarLeah says

    December 7, 2020 at 6:28 am

    A detailed cost of what actually made up the $1200 would be more useful to the reader and make this piece more substantial than just a light brush over description of the project.
    Thanks!

    Reply
    • AvatarJen Bishop says

      December 7, 2020 at 11:59 am

      We didn’t want it to seem like a shopping list of a free ad for Bunnings but I’ll try and get that info for you!

      Reply
  2. AvatarTracey says

    December 7, 2020 at 9:47 am

    As the heading of this article mentioned cost I was expecting a rundown of pricing for the furniture, pots, plants and materials used.
    A bit disappointed.

    Reply
    • AvatarJen Bishop says

      December 7, 2020 at 11:59 am

      We didn’t want it to seem like a shopping list of a free ad for Bunnings but I’ll try and get that info for you!

      Reply
  3. AvatarMichelle says

    January 14, 2023 at 8:16 am

    I would love a breakdown of materials as well, looks amazing!

    Reply
  4. AvatarRobby Nimmo says

    January 16, 2023 at 1:07 pm

    I am thinking about those sandstone look tiles in a small ensuite bathroom. Can anyone advise what they are like to clean?

    Reply

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